Studio 619 for July 8, 2007

What does it take to turn a neighborhood around? Well according to local businessman and philanthropist Charlie Johnson, decent paying, career oriented jobs are the key. Join WFPL’s Robin Fisher as she talks with Johnson about his “Driving for Inner-City Development” program and how he sees it fitting in to West End revitalization.

Speed Exhibit

An upcoming Speed Art Museum exhibit will showcase more than 200 pieces of art from Yale University’s collection of 18th and 19th-century American fine and decorative arts.

“Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness: American Art from the Yale University Art Gallery” explores the richness and strength of American arts from 1660 to 1900.

Among the highlights is John Trumbull’s eight Revolutionary War scenes, including “The Declaration of Independence”. WFPL’s Julie Goodwin talks with Speed Art Museum Director Peter Morrin about the exhibit coming to Louisville in September 2008.

Harry Potter Mania

The latest Harry Potter movie, “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix”, will open July 11th and anticipation grows for the final installment of the book series…as the seventh and last Harry Potter book is set to hit shelves at 12:01am on Saturday, July 21st.

Bookstores and libraries across Louisville are preparing for the release of the last of the J.K. Rowling series…called “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows”.

WFPL’s Stephanie Sanders spoke with Tracy Thomas, the Programs Coordinator for the Louisville Free Public Library, Kate Schiavi, the assistant manager in the children’s department, and Reading Power Coordinator Lisa Claybrooks…who says the event will cater to children, teenagers, and adults alike.

Patas at the Louisville Zoo

The Louisville Zoo recently welcomed three female patas monkeys to the Gorilla Forest exhibit. The fastest of all primates, the patas can reach speeds of up to 35 miles per hour. The patas’ lightning-quick speed developed as a defense mechanism against predators in central Africa’s savannahs and forests. While speed helps the patas elude natural predators, deforestation and human hunting have threatened the survival of the distinctive species. Join WFPL’s David Tao as he discusses the Zoo’s new residents with General Curator Steve Wing.

The Simpsons Movie

Voting closes Monday night in the contest between 14 American towns named Springfield. They’re battling for the rights to be the Springfield where the Simpsons live…and to host the premiere up the upcoming “Simpsons Movie”.

One of the cities in the running is Springfield, Kentucky…WFPL’s Ashleigh Barber spoke with Hal Goode of the Springfield Economic Development Authority about the contest and the video that is the town’s entry.

Sheldon Berman

This summer has been an eventful one for Jefferson County Public Schools. On June 28, the United States Supreme Court struck down the assignment plan the district has been using to integrate its classrooms.

This past week, JCPS welcomed its new superintendent, Dr. Sheldon Berman. WFPL’s Stephanie Sanders reports on Dr. Berman’s plans for the district in light of the high court ruling.